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While most of the teams in the NBA still have realistic playoff hopes, it’s looking grim for a pair of teams in the Western Conference basement. The Los Angeles Lakers will hit the road this week for a game against the Memphis Grizzlies.
They currently sit in a tie for last place in the West, far out of the playoff picture. The Lakers were expected to be in rebuild mode, while the Grizzlies were hit hard by an injury to Mike Conley, their most talented player.
While a loss may actually be better than a win when it comes to the draft lottery, both of these teams would much rather get back on track by claiming a victory. While it may not be the most crisp game, it could be an entertaining one. Memphis will likely be the slight favorite because of the home court advantage.
This war on the floor will go down Monday, January 15, 2018, at 5:30 p.m. ET at the FedExForum. The game will be televised live on TNT.
We'll have NBA odds at BookMaker.eu available for this and every game on the NBA Monday schedule.
Odds Analysis
The Lakers are 13-27 straight up and 19-21 against the spread. Los Angeles has covered in half of its 18 road games this season. The Lakers are 15-18 against the spread as the underdog.
The Grizzlies are 13-27 straight up and 16-23-1 against the spread. They have only covered in seven of 20 attempts at home this season. The Grizzlies are an ugly 3-12 against the spread as the favorite but figure to be giving points in this one.
Injury Report
The Grizzlies are missing two of their best player. Conley has missed all but 12 games this season because of an Achilles injury and that has been a critical blow. He averaged 20.5 points, 6.3 assists and 1.3 steals per game a year ago.
Chandler Parsons is also on the shelf with a knee injury. He is shooting 49 percent from the field and 41 percent from three-point range this season, and his scoring punch is something the team is missing badly.
Marc Gasol and Tyreke Evans are the two veterans who are currently shouldering most of the scoring load, but the team would love to get this duo back at some point. Memphis has fallen down to the bottom of the standings because of the key injuries.
Player To Watch
Lonzo Ball — There is never a dull moment around the rookie point guard. His controversial father, LaVar, continues to make disparaging statements about the organization and Lonzo is having to answer for them. He has struggled in his first year but is hoping to pick it up as he acclimates to the NBA.
Ball is averaging 10.0 points, 7.1 rebounds and 7.1 assists per game thus far, which are decent numbers. The problem is that he is shooting the ball very poorly. Ball is hitting at just a 34.9 percent clip from the floor and 29.8 percent from three-point range.
If he plans to live up to his potential, Ball must start scoring more efficiently.
Free NBA ATS Picks
The Lakers aren’t a very good team but the Grizzlies are severely undermanned. That should make this a competitive affair. The choice is for Memphis to come away with the win as Los Angeles does not play very well on the road.
The Grizzlies will get a big game from Gasol down low as his crafty moves should be able to take advantage of the youthful Lakers. This should be a game that goes down to the wire. Consider the “over” as the Lakers will push the pace and allow for some easy baskets to the Grizzlies.
NBA Odds: Grizzlies 107, Lakers 105
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